March 3, 2025
Congratulations to our 2025 Annual Meeting award honorees!
(presented posthumously)
This award recognizes an outstanding African American nonprofit executive who has provided exemplary leadership in the community.
Dr. Jeanette Mitchell was a trailblazer in Milwaukee's leadership landscape, she rose from telephone operator to become Wisconsin Bell's first African American female district manager in her 30-year corporate career. During that time, her dedication to public service included eight years on the Milwaukee Public Schools board, where she served three terms as president. Her drive for positive change led her to earn multiple degrees, including a doctorate from Cardinal Stritch University. Dr. Mitchell then established the Leadership Center there, creating transformative initiatives like the African American Leadership Program, which has nurtured and empowered over 200 Black leaders in the city. In 2019, she founded the African American Leadership Alliance Milwaukee (AALAM) to advance racial equity through cross-sector leadership development. Known affectionately as 'Dr. J.', Jeanette inspired countless individuals by embodying servant leadership with authenticity and vibrancy throughout her life. She passed away August 18, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that will shape Milwaukee's future for generations to come.
This award recognizes the achievements of an outstanding Campaign Coordinator in honor of John A. Puelicher.
Jack Puelicher gave generously of both his time and charitable dollars to United Way and other civic and cultural institutions. He served as the 1963 United Way Campaign Chair and as a member of the Board of Directors from 1955 to 1963.
Gretchen Titus was born and raised in Ripon, where she graduated from Ripon College and went on to receive an MBA from UW-Madison. She began her career in finance in Grand Rapids, MI, then relocated to Milwaukee in 1976 to become the first woman Investment Officer in the Securities Department of Northwestern Mutual Life. After a hiatus to focus on family, Gretchen reentered the workforce and obtained a Certified Financial Planner certificate (CFP). She was a Senior Portfolio Manager at U.S. Bank when she retired in 2015. Beginning in 2018, she became a Campaign Coordinator for both United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County and UPAF. She spends her free time with her daughter, attending her granddaughter’s school and sports activities, caring for animals, and working in her yard.
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